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Operational Test Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Agile Defense

Operational Test Analyst Location: Fort Huachuca, AZ Clearance Level: Secret, Must Have Clearance to Start. Security will work towards having a TS/SCI adjudicated. Required Certification(s)

ORSA Technologies

Operational Test Engineer

Yuma, AZ

ORSA Technologies is seeking experienced Operational Test Engineer (OTE) Responsibilities include: * Plans and administers performance tests on aeronautical equipment, controls, systems, and other ...

GTI Fabrication

Operational Test Engineer

Buffalo, NY · On-site

Safe operation of electrical test equipment * Ensure training records and competency requirements are maintained. Cross Functional Technical Leadership * Provide test expertise to Product Engineering ...

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How much do operational test jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for operational test in the United States is $20.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $21.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Operational Test Analyst, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Operational Test Analyst, you need a solid understanding of test methodologies, systems analysis, and data evaluation, often supported by a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with test management tools, data analysis software, and sometimes certifications like ISTQB are commonly required. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills help you interpret results and collaborate with cross-functional teams. These skills ensure accurate, reliable testing that improves product quality and operational effectiveness.

What are common challenges faced by professionals in Operational Test roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Operational Test roles often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple stakeholders, adapting test plans to evolving requirements, and managing tight deadlines. Successfully addressing these challenges involves strong communication skills, proactive risk management, and the ability to adapt quickly to changes in operational environments. Building collaborative relationships with engineering, program management, and end-user teams also helps ensure tests are meaningful and results are actionable.

What is the difference between Operational Test vs Quality Assurance Tester?

AspectOperational TestQuality Assurance Tester
CredentialsTypically requires technical knowledge, sometimes certifications in testing or systemsOften requires certifications in QA methodologies, testing tools, or software testing
Work EnvironmentConducted in operational or real-world settings, often on live systemsPerformed in controlled environments, focusing on software or product quality
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by defense, military, or government agencies to evaluate systemsCommon in software, manufacturing, and tech industries for product quality checks

Operational Test and Quality Assurance Tester roles both involve testing, but Operational Tests focus on evaluating systems in real-world conditions, often in government or defense sectors. QA Testers primarily focus on ensuring product quality in controlled environments across various industries.

What is an Operational Test?

An Operational Test is a formal evaluation process where a system, product, or process is tested under realistic operating conditions to determine its effectiveness, suitability, and reliability for intended use. This type of testing is often used in industries like defense, aviation, and technology to ensure that equipment or software performs as expected in real-world scenarios. Operational tests are usually conducted by independent teams and are a critical step before full-scale deployment or adoption. The results help organizations identify potential issues and make informed decisions about the readiness of a system.
More about Operational Test jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Operational Test jobs? The most popular types of Operational Test jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Operational Test jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Operational Test jobs are:
Operational Test jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operational Test job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,045 per year, or $20.2 per hour.
Operational Test Analyst

Operational Test Analyst

Agile Defense

Other

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

About Agile Defense
 
At Agile Defense we know that action defines the outcome and new challenges require new solutions. That's why we always look to the future and embrace change with an unmovable spirit and the courage to build for what comes next.
 
Our vision is to bring adaptive innovation to support our nation's most important missions through the seamless integration of advanced technologies, elite minds, and unparalleled agility-leveraging a foundation of speed, flexibility, and ingenuity to strengthen and protect our nation's vital interests.

Requisition #: 1584

Job Title: Operational Test Analyst

Location: Fort Huachuca, AZ

Clearance Level: Secret, Must Have Clearance to Start. Security will work towards having a TS/SCI adjudicated.

Required Certification(s):  Recommended but not limited to Agile SAFe, Scrum, Security+, CySA

Job Description

We are seeking a proactive Operational Test Analyst to help plan, execute, and report on testing for cyber systems within a highly dynamic team. The ideal candidate is comfortable working with technical guidelines to build test criteria, engaging with project stakeholders, and helping communicate results through well-organized test plans, reports, and presentations.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Collaborate with stakeholders and team members to support and refine the evaluation framework for cyber systems.
  • Draft and update Critical Operational Issues (COIs), Measures of Effectiveness (MOEs), and Measures of Performance (MOPs) as part of collaborative team sessions.
  • Work alongside senior analysts to translate project objectives into concrete, testable requirements and Key Performance Parameters (KPPs).
  • Participate actively in technical meetings and working groups, capturing detailed discussions and tracking action items for the team.
  • Attend technical conferences to engage with stakeholders, communicate the team's mission, and build professional networks.
  • Contribute to the development and execution of Operational Test Plans, drafting test scenarios and scripts to evaluate system performance.
  • Gather data and conduct analysis to evaluate system performance against mission needs, and help report on the findings.
  • Review system documentation (such as CONOPS and architecture) to help identify testable requirements, risks, and testing gaps.
  • Assist in preparing and developing key project presentations, including Test Concept Briefs (TCB) and Operational Test Readiness Reviews (OTRR).
Education and Background
  • Requires a Bachelor's degree with at least 4 years of experience; or an Associate's degree with at least 6 years of experience; or at least 60 semester hours of formal education working towards a Bachelor's degree and at least 6 years of experience; or 8 years of experience.  
  • Requires at least 1 certification in area of specialization.
Years of Experience
Depends on Educational background and years of work experience.
Required Skills
  • Excellent Communication: Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to translate complex technical information into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.
  • Proactive & Independent: Demonstrate ability to work independently with minimal direction, taking the initiative to define tasks and drive progress within an ambiguous and evolving operational environment.
  • Collaborative Mindset: A strong team-oriented approach with experience in collaborative brainstorming, providing constructive feedback, and working effectively alongside government and contractor personnel.
  • Analytical: The ability to expertly analyze complex technical documentation to identify key information, define risks, and develop testable requirements.
Preferred Skills
  • Experience with system-of-systems test methodologies, mission thread analysis, or evaluation support within an Agile or DevSecOps framework.
  • Familiarity with DoD Architecture Frameworks (DoDAF), the Net-Ready Key Performance Parameter (NR-KPP), and associated interoperability standards.
Working Conditons
Sedentary
Our Core Values
 
Employees of Agile Defense are our number one priority, and the importance we place on our culture here is fundamental. Our culture is alive and evolving, but it always stays true to its roots. Here, you are valued as a family member, and we believe that we can accomplish great things together. Agile Defense has been highly successful in the past few years due to our employees and the culture we create together. 
 
What makes us Agile? We call it the 6Hs, the values that define our culture and guide everything we do. Together, these values infuse vibrancy, integrity, and a tireless work ethic into advancing the most important national security and critical civilian missions. It's how we show up every day. It's who we are.
 
  • Happy - Be Infectious. Happiness multiplies and creates a positive and connected environment where motivation and satisfaction have an outsized effect on everything we do.
  • Helpful - Be Supportive. Being helpful is the foundation of teamwork, resulting in a supportive atmosphere where collaboration flourishes, and collective success is celebrated.
  • Honest - Be Trustworthy. Honesty serves as our compass, ensuring transparent communication and ethical conduct, essential to who we are and the complex domains we support.
  • Humble - Be Grounded. Success is not achieved alone, humility ensures a culture of mutual respect, encouraging open communication, and a willingness to learn from one another and take on any task.
  • Hungry - Be Eager. Our hunger for excellence drives an insatiable appetite for innovation and continuous improvement, propelling us forward in the face of new and unprecedented challenges.
  • Hustle - Be Driven. Hustle is reflected in our relentless work ethic, where we are each committed to going above and beyond to advance the mission and achieve success.
 
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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